Ricky Hatton, British Boxing Icon and Former World Champion, Dies at 46

A Career Etched in History

Born in Stockport on October 6, 1978, Hatton grew up in Hattersley and developed his fighting spirit early. After a brief but explosive amateur career, he turned professional at 18 under promoter Frank Warren. His all-action style, relentless pressure, and trademark body punching made him a fan favorite almost instantly.

Hatton’s defining night came on June 4, 2005, when he shocked the world by defeating the legendary Kostya Tszyu at Manchester’s M.E.N. Arena. Tszyu, then regarded among the sport’s pound-for-pound elite, retired on his stool after the 11th round, cementing Hatton’s place among Britain’s finest fighters.

He followed that with a unification win over Carlos Maussa, capturing the WBA and IBF super lightweight titles, and solidifying his dominance at 140 pounds.

The Bright Lights of Las Vegas

Hatton’s rise brought him to welterweight and eventually to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Where his fan base became the stuff of legend. In 2007, more than 30,000 British fans crossed the Atlantic during a recession to cheer Hatton in his megafight against Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand.

Though he lost that bout via 10th-round stoppage, Hatton’s pride remained intact, and the overwhelming fan presence etched his name into sporting folklore. He later faced Manny Pacquiao in another marquee clash, suffering a devastating knockout that marked one of the lowest moments of his career.

Despite those defeats, Hatton’s resilience and humility ensured he remained one of the most beloved fighters in the sport. He closed out his career with a return in 2012 against Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester, where he was stopped by a body shot the very weapon that defined much of his own success. Tearfully announcing his retirement that night, Hatton thanked the media, his fans, and the sport that had given him everything.

A Fighter of the People

Hatton’s final record stands at 45 wins (32 KOs) and 3 defeats. But statistics only tell part of his story. His loyal fan base saw him not as a distant star, but as “one of us” a working-class fighter who lived and fought with heart. Every fan who followed Hatton carried their own story about what he meant to them.

Legacy and Family

Beyond the ring, Hatton faced personal struggles but remained deeply connected to the sport. Training fighters and supporting his son Campbell’s own boxing career. He leaves behind three children Campbell, Fearne, and Millie.

British boxing has lost one of its brightest icons. Ricky Hatton’s passion, charisma, and warrior spirit will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, “Hitman.”